Cherry Blossoms of Hokkaido

Cherry blossoms begin to bloom from late April in Hokkaido. The cherry blossoms in the Southern Hokkaido including Hakodate begin to bloom from late April, and in case of late blooming, the cherry blossoms in the Eastern Hokkaido and the Northern Hokkaido seem to bloom in early June. The cherry blossoms in Honshu (the main island of Japan) begin to bloom from mid March, and tourists can enjoy the cherry blossoms until too late season. If everybody forget to see the cherry blossoms in the Honshu, please visit the Hokkaido to savor the cherry blossoms.

Cherry Blossoms and Pink Moss

Yezo Mountain Cherry Tree (エゾヤマザクラ) is the most ordinary types of the cherry trees in the Hokkaido, and can be seen all over the Hokkaido. As for Yoshino Cherry Tree (ソメイヨシノ) that is famous for short-lived, it is said that Tomei Park (東明公園) in Bibai is the northern limit for cherry grove, so it can be seen only around the Central Hokkaido and the Southern Hokkaido. Except those cherry trees, Double‐flowered Cherry Tree (ヤエザクラ) and Weeping Cherry Tree (シダレザクラ) are well-known, and Chishima Cherry Tree (チシマザクラ) can be seen in the Hokkaido. In addition, Ume blossoms in the Hokkaido are in full bloom along with the cherry blossoms almost at the same time, so a conbinnation of those blossoms can be savored. In the most of the Honashu, those blossoms can not be seen at the same time.

Ume Grove and Cherry Grove

Cherry Blossoms of Southern Hokkaido

In the Hokkaido, the cherry blossom front gets to the Southern Hokkaido at the earliest. Hakodate (函館) and Matsumae (松前) with cherry blossom spots have a long history, and tourists can enjoy the cherry blossoms with historical structures. Only the regioon can be enjoyed castels and the cherry blossoms in the Hokkaido. As for the cherry blossom spots in the Southern Hokkaido, Goryokaku Park (五稜郭公園) and Hakodate Park (函館公園) in Hakodate, Matumae Park (松前公園) in Matumae, Cherry Blossom Corridor (桜回廊) containing Weeping Cherry Tree of Houki Temple (法亀寺のしだれ桜) in Hokuto, Oniushi Park (オニウシ公園) and Aobagaoka Park (青葉ヶ丘公園) in Mori, Saranbe Park (サランベ公園) and Kumaishi Recreation Village (熊石休養村) in Yakumo and Former Tate Castle Park (館城跡公園) in Assabu are famous in particular. My visited places are as follows.

Bank of Goryokaku Park

Weeping Cherry Tree of Houki Temple

Houki Temple (法亀寺) is a temple in the center of Hokuto city located in the northern part of Hakodate city, but it is away from Hakodate-Shinhokuto Station (函館新北斗駅). Mr. Kinbei Nakamura (中村金兵衛) asked Mr. Nichido Kaneko (金子日能), a then chief priest of Jikko Temple (実行寺) in Hakodate, to built a temple, and he named new temple as Hokian (法亀庵) in 1849. The temple moved to the current place in 1889, and was renamed the Houki Temple before moving. It is famous for a large weeping cherry tree at grounds of the temple, and it is called "Weeping Cherry Tree of Houki Temple (法亀寺のしだれ桜)", and is one of Hokuto Cherry Blossom Corridor (北斗桜回廊) with about 120,000 visitors. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about from late April to early May. Admission free. A parking lot of the temple was not available, but a temporary parking lot was provided near the temple. Article is here

Weeping Cherry Tree of Houki Temple

Cherry Blossoms of Goryokaku Park

Goryokaku Park (五稜郭公園) is a fromer fort in the center of Hakodate city located in the northeastern part of Hakodate Station, and is well-known as the Japan's first Western-style fort built in 1866, and is one of only 2 pentagon forts in the Japan together with Tatsuoka Castle (龍岡城) in Nagano prefecture. The Goryokaku is also famous as the last place that the former Tokugawa Shogunate Army fought with the new government during the Boshin War (戊辰戦争), and is open to general public at present, and a lot of tourists come. The Goryokaku Park is one of great places to see cherry blossoms in Hokkaido, and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom from late April to mid May, and a lot of tourists from all over the Japan or overseas tourists come to savor. In an autumn, leaves of the cherry trees turn into red color, and the park is well-known as a good place to see the fall foliage, too. Admission free. A parking lot is not provided. Article is here

Goryokaku Park Covered with Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossoms of Sumiyoshi Shrine

Sumiyoshi Shrine (住三吉神社) is a shrine at Sumiyoshi-cho, the foot of Mt. Hakodate (函館山) in the south part of Hakodate city, and is close to Cape Tachimachi (立待岬), Yachigashira Onsen (谷地頭温泉) and Hakodate Park (函館公園). The shrine has been reported Sumiyoshi Shrine founded in the Kamakura period. I think that Sumiyoshi(住三吉) Shrine is odd name, and Sumiyoshi(住三吉) Shrine merged Sumiyoshi(住吉) Shrine with Miyoshi(三吉) Shrine. The name of Sumiyoshi(住三吉) Shrine is a good combination. It is famous as a good place to see cherry blossoms, and the best time to see is from late April to early May. Admission free. A parking lot and a restroom are not provided. Article is here

Cherry Blossoms of Sumiyoshi Shrine

Cherry Blossoms of Hakodate Park

Hakodate Park (函館公園) is the first park in Hokkaido built in 1879 at the foot of Mt. Hakodate (函館山) in the south part of Hakodate city, and has been chosen as one of 100 Best Historical Park in Japan, and has an exotic atmosphere such as the Meiji period. Hakodate Museum (函館博物館), Hakodate Park Kodomonokuni (函館公園こどものくに), Hakodate Park Visitor Center (函館公園ビジターセンター), Mini Zoo, Central Large Fountain (中央大噴水) and Mt. Meiji (明治山) are built at the site, and it is well-known as a place for Hakodate citizen's relaxation and refreshment, and is also famous as a famous place to see cherry blossoms. The best season to see is from late April to early May. Admission free. A parking lot is not provided, but free temporary parking lots are provided during the best season. Article is here

Cherry Blossoms Are Lit up

Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival

Matsumae Park (松前公園) is a park on a small hill in Mastumae town located in the southwestern part of Hakodate city. Mastumae Castle (松前城), Temples, Shrines and Matsumae Clan Mansion (松前藩屋敷) are built at the site, and the center of Matsumae Clan that is famous for the only clan in Hokkaido has been developed as the park. Cherry Blossom Sample Garden (桜見本園), Rose Garden (バラ園) and Peony Garden (ボタン園) are built as a relax place for Matsumae people. The park is well-known as a good place to see the cherry blossoms, and Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival (松前さくらまつり) is held from late April to mid May. In addition, Matsumae Hydrangea Festival (松前あじさいまつり) is held in early August. Admission free. A parking lot is free of charge. But the parking lot is charged for JPY 500 between the Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival. Article is here

Matsumae Castle

Cherry Blossom of Oniushi Park

Oniushi Park (オニウシ公園) is a park in Mori town located in the northern part of Hakodate city, and is adjacent to Roadside Station "You-Yu-Mori (YOU・遊・もり)" along Nationa Route 5. The Oniushi means "A place that a lot of trees gorw" in Ainu language. In fact, trees are rich. 20 types of 500 cherry trees such as Yoshino Cherry Tree, Horii Cherry Tree (堀井緋桜) and Komami Cherry Tree (駒見桜) are full in bloom. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about from early May to mid May. Admission free. A parking lot is free of charge.

Shizunai Nijukkendouro Sakuranamiki

Nijukkendouro Sakuranamiki (二十間道路桜並木) is a scenic spot, a large number of cherry trees lined along a road, in Shizunai, Shinhidaka town located in the southeastern of Tomakomai city, and is a little far away from the center of the Shizunai. Along the straight line road with 7 km in total length, about 2,200 cherry trees including Yezo Mountain Cherry Tree (エゾヤマザクラ) and Korean Hill Cherry (カスミザクラ) are in full glory. Here is well-known as one of the most famous spots to see cherry blossoms in Hokkaido. In the Hokkaido, it has been chosen as one of Japan's Top 100 Roads together with Sapporo Odori Street (札幌大通り), Daisanzaka Street (大三坂通) in Hakodate and Akamatsu Namiki (赤松並木) in Nanae, and has also been chosen as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots together with Matumae Park (松前公園). 200,000 visitorss come to see the amazing cherry blossoms about from early May to mid May. But National Route 235 is very crowded at the weekend of that time, so there is a way to make a detour through Hokkaido Road 235. Admission free. A parking lot is free of charge. Article is here

Cherry Blossoms Are in Full Bloom on Both Roadsides

Yushun Sakura Road

Yushun Sakura Road (優駿さくらロード) is a good place to see cherry blossoms in Urakawa located in the northwestern part of Cape Erimo (えりも岬), and is a little away from the downtown of the Urakawa. It is also called "Nishicha Sakuranamiki (西舎桜並木)", and about 1,000 cherry trees such as Yezo Mounatin Cherry Tree (エゾヤマザクラ) are planted along both sides of a town road with about 3 km in length from an entrance of Yushun-no-Sato Park (優駿の里公園) to Hidaka Training Ranch (日高育成牧場). Because the width of the road is narrower than Shizunai Nijukkendouro Sakuranamiki (静内二十間道路桜並木), one of most famous cherry blossom spots in Hokkaido, in Shinhidaka, the Yushun Sakura Road cross each branches looks like a tunnel of the cherry blossoms well. It got first place in "Hokkaido Walker Plus Best Cherry Blossom Spots That Readers Want to Go 2019". The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about from early May to mid May. About 10,000 tourists come. In the evening, a part of the Yushun Sakura Road is lit up. Admission free. Parking lots are free of charge. Article is here

Tunnel of Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossoms of Samani Dam

Samani Dam (様似ダム) is a gravity-type concrete dam in Samani town located in the northwestern part of Cape Erimo (えりも岬). Its height is 44 m. The water surface is 0.44 km2. Lake Samani (様似湖) was born by building the dam in 1975. The Samani Dam has a sloping fishway with a part of glass, and visitors can see the sloping fishway from the side. In addition, the Samani Dam is a famous place for cherry blossoms in Hidaka district. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about from early May to mid May. Admission free. A parking lot is free of charge. Article is here

Samani Dam and Cherry Trees

Cherry Blossoms of Utafue Shrine

Utafue Shrine (歌笛神社) is a shinto shrine on about 75 m altitude small hill in Mitsuishi, Shinhidaka town located in the northwestern part of Cape Erimo (えりも岬), and Utafue Preschool (歌笛保育園) is built at the foot of the hill. The shrine was established in 1983, and moved here in 1902. Amaterasu-Omikami (天照大神 * the God of the sun), Hakusanhime-no-Kami (白山比賣神) and Kumano-Omikami (熊野大神) are enshrined. The Utafue Shrine is a famous place for cherry blossoms in Hidaka district, too, and cherry trees such as Double Cherry (ヤエザクラ), Yezo Mountain Cherry (エゾヤマザクラ), Yoshino Cherry (ソメイヨシノ) and Weeping Cherry (枝垂れ桜) grow at the site. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about from early May to mid May. Admission free. A parking lot is free of charge. Article is here

Utafue Area Is Viewed from Approach

Ikoi-hiroba Park

Ikoi-hiroba Park (憩いの広場) is a park in Niikappu town (新冠) located between Cape Erimo (えりも岬) and Tomakomai, and the distance is about 2 km away from the center of the Niikappu. It used to be a park golf course on a riverbed of Nikappu River (新冠川) at foot of Hangandate Forest Park (判官館森林公園). But it seems to turn into the park at present. The park is a famous place for cherry blossoms in Hidaka district. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about from early May to mid May. Admission free. A parking lot is free of charge. Article is here

Ikoi-hiroba Park

Cherry Blossoms of Ukimido Park

Ukimido Park (浮見堂公園) is a park in the north side of the Lake Toya, and is adjacent to Akebono Park (曙公園) that a camping is available along Hokkaido Road 578. There is a two‐storied pagoda dedicated to Prince Shotoku (聖徳太子) called Ukimido. The Ukimido is lit up in the evening, too. Except it, a gazebo, a public restroom and a parking lot are built on the site. A garden with ponds and a small bridge is built on the lakeshore. In a spring, the cherry blossoms such as the Yoshino Cherry Tree are in full bloom, and tourists can view a beautiful scenery with the Lake Toya. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about from early May to mid May. Admission free. A parking lot is free of charge. Article is here

Lake Toya and Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossoms of Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park (円山公園) is located in Chuo ward, Sapporo city and has famous the Hokkaido Shrine and the Maruyama Zoo. About 160 cherry bloosoms such as the Yezo Mountain Cherry Tree are in bloom on a mountain with a virgin forest. The Maruyama Park is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about from early May to mid May. Article is here

Third Torii Gate and Cherry Tree

Cherry Blossoms of Moerenuma Park

Moerenuma Park (モエレ沼公園) is a comprehensive park in Higashi ward, Sapporo city. Moerenuma is a marsh, and Moere Marsh (モエレ沼) is a crescentic lake caused by river-improvement of Ishikari River (石狩川), and is named after "A slow‐flowing river" in Ainu language. The Moere Marsh used to be a waste disposal site, and it was developed as the park, and the park was established in 1998. Mr. Isamu Noguchi, a famous sculptor, designed the park, and facilities are built to harmonize nature with artifacts at the grounds of 1,888,000 m2. He reflected an image of engraving grounds. This park got the Good Design Award in 2002. Cheery blossoms can be enjoyed in a spring, playing in the water can be enjoyed in a summer, fall foliage can be enjoyed in an autumn, and cross country skiing and snow sled can be enjoyed in a winter, and the park is well-known as a peaceful place for Sapporo citizens. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about early May. The best time to see the fall foliage is about from mid October to late October. Admission free. A parking lot is free of charge. Article is here

Forest of Cherry Trees

Cherry Blossoms of Civil Engineering Research Institute for Cold Region

Civil Engineering Research Institute for Cold Region (寒冷地土木研究所) is an independent administrative corporation established in 1937 in Hiragishi, Toyohira ward, Sapporo city, and researches, developments and guides on technology about construction technology for a cold region and disseminates the results thereof. It is the only research and development institutes of the cold region civil engineering in Japan. They also offer Kita-no-Michinavi (北の道ナビ), a web service, and I often is helped by it. Here is a famous place for cherry blossoms, too, and it is open to the general public during only a week in early May. It opened from May 1 to May 7 when I visited here in 2017. It seems to open to the public during the Japanese Golden Week. Admission free. A parking lot is free of charge. A restroom and a restraunt are at a building, and anyyone can use. Article is here

Many Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossoms of Nakajima Park

Nakajima Park (中島公園) is a comprehensive park of 236.295 m2 nearby Susukino (すすきの) in Chuo ward, Sapporo city, and has opened since 1886. It has been chosen as one of Japanese City Park Best 100 (日本の都市公園100選) and Japan's Top 100 Historical Parks (日本の歴史公園100選), and is famous as a park with rich nature at the downtown of the Sapporo city. The park has Shobu Pond (菖蒲池), Japanese Garden (日本庭園), Hoheikan (豊平館), Concert Hall Kitara, Astronomical Observatory, Hassoan (八窓庵), Kogumaza Puppet Theater (こども人形劇場こぐま座), Nakajima Sport Center (中島体育センター), Hokkaido Museum of Literature (北海道立文学館), Nakajima Tennis Courts (中島公園庭球場), Yahiko Shrine (弥彦神社) and Nakajima Park Boat Pier (中島公園ボート乗り場), and a lot of people come. Here is also well-known as a good place to see cherry blossoms in a spring and fall foliage in an autumn, and is a peaceful place for Sapporo citizens. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about late April to early May. The best time to see the fall foliage is about from mid October to late October. Cosplay photography sessions are sometimes held, and they look fun. Admission free. A parking lot is not provided. Article is here

Sapporo Park Hotel and Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossoms of Makomanai Park

Makomanai Park (真駒内公園) is a comprehensive park of 850,000 m2 in Minami ward, Sapporo city, and is away from the downtown of the Sapporo. It has opened since 1975. Here used to be a main venue of Sapporo Olympic in 1972. After that, it is maintained as the park with Makomanai River (真駒内川), Makomanai Indoor Stadium (真駒内屋内競技場), Makomanai Outdoor Stadium (真駒内屋外競技場), Sapporo Salmon Museum (札幌市豊平川さけ科学館), a baseball ground and a cycling road. Here is also well-known as a good place to see cherry blossoms in a spring and fall foliage in an autumn, and is a peaceful place for Sapporo citizens. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about late April to mid May. The best time to see the fall foliage is about from mid October to late October. Admission free. As for parking lots, weekdays are free of chrage, and Sundays and National holidays are JPY 320. Article is here

Cherry Blossoms of Makomanai Park

Cherry Blossoms of Maeda Forest Park

Maeda Forest Park (前田森林公園) is a comprehensive park of 597,258 m2 in Teine-Maeda, Teine ward, Sapporo city, and has opened since 1987. It is famous as a park with a canal like a pond of a Western-style palace, and has literally rich nature. Here is also well-known as a good place to see cherry blossoms in a spring, wisteria blooms in a summer and fall foliage in an autumn, and is a peaceful place for Sapporo citizens. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about late April to mid May. The best time to see the wisteria blooms is about late May to early June. The best time to see the fall foliage is about from mid October to late October. Admission free. A parking lot is free of charge. Article is here

Cherry Blossoms of Maeda Forest Park

Cherry Blossoms of Noshi Park

Noshi Park (農試公園) is a park in Nishi ward, Sapporo city. About 250 cherry trees such as the Yoshino Cherry Tree and the Yezo Mountain Cherry Tree are in full bloom. The Noshi Park is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about from early May to mid May. Admission free.

Yonesato Cherry Blossoms

Yonesato Cherry Blossoms (米里の桜) is located along Toyoira River (豊平川) in Shiroishi ward (白石区), Sapporo city. A combination of moss pink and the cherry blossoms is a beautiful place. Here is not famous at all, and a parking lot is not provided. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about from early May to mid May. Admission free.

Cherry Blossoms and Pink MossPink Moss Is Beautiful, Too

Cherry‐Tree‐Lined Path along Shinkawa River

Cherry‐Tree‐Lined Path (新川さくら並木) along Shinkawa River (新川) is about 7.5 km in total length. Yoshino cherry trees and Yezo mountain cherry trees are planted. All cherry trees were not bloom at once, and were in full bloom at a part of the Cherry‐Tree‐Lined Path along Shinkawa River when I visited here in May 5, 2016. But the cherry blossoms looked like a tunnel of the cherry blossoms, and I enjoyed that situation. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about from early May to mid May. Admission free.

Shinkawa RiverCherry‐Tree‐Lined PathLarge AudienceTunnel of Cherry BlossomsCherry Blossoms Are in Full BloomComfortable Scenery

Cherry Trees Are Planted along Shiroishi Cycling Road

Shiroishi Cycling Road (白石サイクリングロード) is in Shiroishi ward, Sapporo city. The cherry blossoms around the Kanjo Yume-no-Hashi Bridge are worth seeing especially. A parking lot is not provided. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about from early May to mid May. Admission free.

Cherry Trees Lined along Makomanai Water Channel

Cherry Trees Lined along Makomanai Water Channel (真駒内用水路桜並木) is in Makomanai, Minami ward, Sapporo city. It takes about 10 minutes from Makomanai Station on foot. The Makomanai Water Channel (真駒内用水路) is a water channel with about 4 km in total length, and Mr. Edwin Dun that established Makomanai Livestock Breeding Station (真駒内種畜場), the predecessor of Makomanai Park, made a proposal in 1879. About 30-40 cherry trees are planted along both sides of the water channel from Edwin Dun Memorial Park (エドウィン・ダン記念公園) to Midori-machi Park (緑町公園), and visitors can savor cherry blossoms along the water channel. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about from early May to mid May. Admission free.

Water Channel and Cherry BlossomsWater Channel and Cherry Blossoms

Makomanai Midori-machi Green Paths (真駒内緑町緑道) are built along the both sides of the water channel 90 cm in width and 60 cm in depth, and the cherry blossoms can be appreciated. An atmosphere of the water channel is like Nikaryo Water Channel (二ヶ領用水) in Kawasaki that I used to live at, and it is unusual to feel the atmosphere of Honshu in Hokkaido because the Hokkaido has a lot of magnificent cherry blossom spots.

Nikaryo Water Channel in KawasakiNikaryo Water Channel Kuji Entoh Bunsui
(Cylindricalwater Splitter) in KawasakiWater Channel and Cherry BlossomsIt Has Atmosphere of HonshuWater Channel and Cherry BlossomsContrail and Cherry Blossoms

Other Cherry Blossoms of Sapporo

I found following cherry trees in Sapporo city.

Cherry Trees Are Planted at Former Hokkaido Government Office BuildingCherry Tree Is Planted around Sapporo Factory * It Was Hewed down in 2017Cherry Tree Is Planted at Shiroishi Police Station

Niseko Sakuranbo Trees

Niseko Sakuranbo Trees (さくらんぼの木) are planted in Soga (曽我), Niseko town. A combination of Mt. Yotei (羊蹄山) and the Niseko Sakuranbo Trees are beautiful. This scenery seems to be always used in brochures to introduce Niseko. This place is designed as a hometown viewing spot. Tourists are closed to a field, and are able to look from the side of the field. But they can not enter the field. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about from early May to mid May.

Mt. Yotei and Sakuranbo TreesKeep Out Sign

Horomoe Large Cherry Tree

Horomoe Large Cherry Tree (幌萌の大山桜) is a cherry tree in Horomoe-cho, Muroran city, and is well-known for the largest Yezo mountain cherry (エゾヤマザクラ) in Iburi district. Garyu Korean Hill Cherry (臥龍の霞桜) is planted nearby the Horomoe Large Cherry Tree, too, but cherry blossoms does not seems to bloom. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom from early May to mid May. During that time, the cherry tree is lit up at the evening, and Ms. Akiko Ota (太田亜紀子) helds a piano concert, too. Admission free. A parking lot is free of charge. At that time, a temporary toilet is provided, too. Article is here

Horomoe Large Cherry Tree

Muroan Sakimori Cherry Tree

A Sakimori Cherry Tree (崎守の一本桜) is a cherry tree near Muroran Interchange in Sakimori-cho (崎守町), Muroran city, and is well-known for shooting places for Sapporo Breweries "Sapporo Classic" CM that Mr. Masahiro Matsuoka (松岡昌宏), one of the popular idol group "TOKIO", appear on and a work of Mr. Mitsuhiko Kamata (鎌田光彦), a famous photographer. In addition, "Sakurabito (さくらびと)" of a rock band Swish! used here as a shooting place for a music video. Cherry blossoms are in full bloom from early May to mid May. Visitors should look at it on a sidewalk because a ranch is a private land. A parking lot and a restroom are not provided. A lot of the visitors park their cars on the shoulder of a road. By the way, Horomoe Large Cherry Tree (幌萌の大山桜) is relatively near here, too. Article is here

Muroan Sakimori Cherry Tree

Cherry Blossoms of Niwayama Forest Nature Park

Niwayama Forest Nature Park (にわ山森林自然公園) is a park in Naie town located in the northeastern part of Sapporo city. 271 m altitude of Mt. Niwa has been developed as the park, and 1st Lookout (第一展望台) and 2nd Observation Deck (第二展望台) are built. About 1800 cherry trees such as Yezo Mountain Cherry Tree (エゾヤマザクラ) are planted at the mountain, and here is famous as one of good places to see the cherry blossoms in Sorachi district (空知). The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about early May. By the way, a mountain road that is the width of one car is narrow, so drive safely. In addition, bears may appear, beware of bears. Other visitors had a bear-avoiding bell when I visited here. Admission free. Parking lots are free of charge. The mountain road is closed from November to April. Article is here

Full of Cherry Blossoms

1000 Cherry Trees Lined along Tonebetsu River

Tonebetsu River (利根別川) flows in the center of Iwamizawa city located in the northeastern part of Sapporo city. Tonebetsu River Greenery Area (利根別川河川緑地) has been maintained along the river, and about 1000 Cherry Trees has been planted since 1991. A collective term for those is 1000 Cherry Trees Lined along Tonebetsu River (利根別川千本桜並木). The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about from early May to mid May. Visitors enjoy the cherry blossoms along walking paths on riverbanks. Main appreciating places are Garden Terrace (ガーデンテラス) and Hagizono-Ryokuchi Park (はぎぞの緑地公園). Article is here

Garden Terrace

Cherry Blossoms of Kuriyama Park

Kuriyama Park (栗山公園) is a comprehensive park at foot of Mt. Mt. Odaishi (御大師山) in Kuriyama town (栗山) located in the eastern part of Sapporo city, and the distance is about 1 km away from the center of the Kuriyama. About 100,000 people come. Nakayoshi Zoo (なかよし動物園 * the Nakayoshi means "Good friends" in English), a tennis court, a baseball ground, a Japanese archery ground, food stalls, a barbecue site, public restrooms and parking lots are built at 0.24 km2 site. In a spring, here is well-known as a famous place for cherry blossoms in the Kuriyama, and the best time to see the cherry blossoms is about from early May to mid May. The park and roads are crowded during the cherry blossom season. In an autumn, the park is well-known as a famous place for fall foliage in the Kuriyama, and the best time to see the fall foliage is about from late October to early November. Admission free. The parking lots are free of charge. Article is here

Cherry Trees and Tulips

Cherry Blossoms of Toda Memorial Park Cemetery

Toda Memorial Park Cemetery (戸田記念墓地公園) is a cemetery run by Soka Gakkai (創価学会) on a small hill of about 60 m altitude in Atsuta ward (厚田区), Ishikari city (石狩) located in the northeast part of Sapporo city. Mr. Seijo Toda (戸田城聖), the second-generation president of the Soka Gakkai, grew in the Atsuta, so the Toda Memorial Park Cemetery was developed in his memory in 1977. More than 54,000 graves are built on the site, and the size is large. Here is well-known as one of the best cherry blossom spots in Hokkaido. Although it is a religious facility, it opens to the public during a cherry blossom season. Especially, it attracts overseas people these days. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about from early May to mid May. Admission free. A parking lot is free of charge. Article is here

Tunnel of Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossoms of Temiya Park

Temiya Park (手宮公園) is a comprehensive park on a hill around the center of Otaru city, and has been established since 1900, and has Temiya Botanical Garden (手宮緑化植物園) and Otaru Temiya Park Arena (小樽手宮公園競技場), and the Temiya Botanical Garden is famous for the cherry blossoms. The best time to see is from late April to early May. In addition, it is said that night view from here is very good, too. Admission free. A parking lot is free of charge. There is a public restroom beside the parking lot. Drive carefully because the parking lot is small. Otaru Synthesis Museum (小樽市総合博物館), Otaru Steam Locomotive Museum (小樽市蒸気機関車資料館), Temiya Cave (手宮洞窟) and The Place of Railway's Birth in Hokkaido (北海道鉄道発祥の地) are relatively near here. Article is here

Combination of Blue Sea and Pink Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossoms of Cycling Road

The Cycling Road "Memory of Wind (風のメモリー)" is a cycling road in Date city located in the northwestern part of Muroran city. Originally, it used to be the site of a rail track. After Iburi Line (胆振線) was discontinued in 1986, the Cycling Road "Memory of Wind" with about 5.4 km in total length was built. Yohino Cherry Trees (ソメイヨシノ) are planted along the cycling road, and here is known as a good place to see the cherry blosoms, too. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about early May to mid May. Admission free. A parking lot is not provided. Article is here

Cherry Trees Line

Cherry Blossoms of Usu Zenkoji Temple

Usu Zenkoji Temple (有珠善光寺) is a famous historical temple in Date city located in the northwestern part of Muroran city. The official name is Ousuyama Dojoin Zenkoji (大臼山道場院善光寺), and Ennin (円仁 (慈覚大師 *Great teacher Jikaku)) established the temple in 826. It is said that the temple is the oldest temple in Hokkaido. About 1,000 cherry trees are planted, so it is well-known as a good place to see the cherry blossoms. It has various types of the cherry trees such as Yezo Mountain Cherry Tree (エゾヤマザクラ), Yoshino Cherry Tree (ソメイヨシノ), Oshima Cherry Tree (オオシマザクラ) and Weeping Cherry Trees (シダレザクラ), so cherry-blossom viewing can be enjoyed for a long time. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about early May. Except the cherry blossoms, the best time to see Hydrangea is from mid Jul to early August, and the best time to see fall foliage is about late October. Admission free. A parking lot is free of charge. I visted here in May 8, 2017, and unfortunately, the cherry blossoms were already falling. Article is here

Cherry Trees in Front of Ossuary

Cherry Blossoms of Shoya Sakura Park

Shoya Sakura Park (庶野さくら公園) is a park in Erimo town located in the southeastern part of Tomakomai city, and is known as a good place to see cherry blossoms. The park used to be chosen as one of Best 100 Hokkaido Tourist Attractions. About 700 sargent cherry trees are planted on a small hill of about 30 m elevation, and Couple Cherry Tree (夫婦桜), one of the best cherry trees in Iburi and Hidaka Subprefectures, of over 300 years old is famous in those cherry trees. About 800 sargent cherry trees and weeping cherry trees grow naturally in mountains such as Mt. Maruyama around the park, and pink trees are dotted with here and there in a cherry blossom season. The best time to see is from early May to mid May. The park is next to Shoya Inari Shrine (庶野稲荷神社). Parking lots and a public restroom are built at the site. Admission free. The parking lots are free of charge. Article is here

Shoya Sakura Park

Cherry Blossoms of Northern Hokkaido

The Northern Hokkaido is around in the north of Asahikawa, Northen Kamikawa district (上川北部), Rumoi district (留萌) and Soya (宗谷). Tokiwa Park (常磐公園), Kaguraoka Park (神楽岡公園), Asahiyama Park (旭山公園) and Hanasaki Sports Park (花咲スポーツ公園) in Asahikawa, Kitoushi Forest Park (キトウシ森林公園) in Higashikawa, Shiokari Pass Sakura Raod (狩勝峠桜ロード) in Wassamu, Mt. Tsukumo (九十九山) in Shibetsu, Yayoi Park (弥生公園) in Nayoro, Kotanbetsu Midorigaoka Park (古丹別緑ヶ丘公園) in Tomamae, Higashiyamajuen (東山樹園) in Shosanbetsu and Wakkanai Park (稚内公園) in Wakkanai are famous in particular. Those are in full bloom from early May to mid May. But the cherry blossoms around Lake Shumarinai (朱鞠内湖) and in Rishiri Island (利尻島) are in full bloom in early June, and late cherry blossoms can be enjoyed. My visited places are as follows.

Cherry Tree and Stream near Furen Bokodai Nature Park

Cherry Blossoms of Yayoi Park

Yayoi Park (弥生公園) is in Yayoi, Nayoro city located between Asahikawa city and Wakkanai city, and the distance is about 8 km far away from downtown to here. Yayoi Shrine (弥生神社) and Former Teshio Yayoi Station "Tabibitoyado and Inaka Shokudo" (天塩弥生駅「旅人宿&田舎食堂」) are close to the park. This park is not large, and a few play equipment and a public restroom are built there. It is well-known as a a famous place for cherry blossoms by Nayoro citizens, and about 200 cherry trees are planted. The bese season to see the cherry blossoms is full bloom from early May to mid May. Admission free. A parking lot is free of charge. Article is here

Cherry Trees Line along Road

Cherry Blossoms of Furen Bokodai Nature Park

Furen Bokodai Nature Park (風連望湖台自然公園) is in Furen, Nayoro city located between Asahikawa city and Wakkanai city, and the distance is about 10 km far away from downtown to here. The park has Churreppu Dam (忠烈布ダム), Lake Churreppu (忠烈布湖) and an auto campsite, and cherry trees are planted here and there. The best season is from early May to mid May. Siberian iris and Lily of the valley can be seen there, too. By the way, Center House, Junbo Roller slide and a tennis court has shut down around cottages. Admission free. A parking lot is free of charge. Article is here

Cherry Trees at Autocamp Site

Shiokari Pass Hitome Senbon Zakura

Shiokari Pass (塩狩峠) is a pass with altitude of about 260 m in Wassamu town (和寒) located in the northern part of Asahikawa city, and is a strategic traffic point connecting the Asahikawa with Northern Hokkaido. National Route 40 (Nayoro National Route) and Soya Main Line (宗谷本線) are built on the pass, and around the top of the pass has Shiokari Station (塩狩駅). Speaking of the Shiokai Pass, Shiokari-toge (塩狩峠), a novel, written by Ms. Ayako Miura (三浦綾子), a famous novelist, is famous. Here is just a setting of the novel, and Miura Ayako Literature Museum (三浦綾子記念文学館) is built near the Shiokari Station, too. Shiokari Hut Youth Hostel (塩狩ヒュッテ) is around the station, too. Shiokari Onsen (塩狩温泉) used to be here, but it has been destroyed. A good place to see cherry blossoms called "Shiokai Pass Hitome Senbon Zakura (塩狩峠一目千本桜)" is on the opposite side of tracks, and the best time to see the cherry blossoms is about from early May to mid May. Admission free. A parking lot is free of charge. Article is here

Shiokari Pass

Cherry Blossoms of Asahiyama Park

Asahiyama Park (旭山公園) is a park at Mt. Asahiyama with 295 m in height in the eastern part of Asahikawa city. There are famous Asahiyama Zoo (旭山動物園), Asahiyama Miura Garden (旭山三浦庭園) asn Asahiyama Snow Village at the site, too. In a spring, cherry blossoms and blossoms of dogtooth violet can be enjoyed, and hiking can be enjoyed in a summer, and fall foliage can be enjoyed in an autumn, and snow activities can be enjoyed in a winter, so Asahikawa people enjoy those every season, and relax themselves. Especially, the Asahiyama Park is well-known as a good place to see the cherry blossoms, and about 2,300 Yezo Mountain Cherry Tress (エゾヤマザクラ) are bloom. The best time to see it is from late April to early May. Asahiyama Park Night Cherry Blossoms Festival (旭山公園夜桜まつり) is held between 6days in early May. Admission free. A parking lot is free of charge. There are public restrooms and a store at the site. Article is here

Inari Konpira Shrine

Cherry Blossoms of Kitoushi Forest Park

Kitoushi Forest Park (キトウシ森林公園) is comprehensive leisure facilities in Higasikawa town located in the southeastern part of Ashikawa city. There are Canmore Ski Village (キャンモアスキー場), Court Asahikawa Country Club (コート旭川カントリークラブ), a park golf course, a campsite, Kitoushi Kogen Hotel (キトウシ高原ホテル), Bussan Center (物産センター), Life Experience House (生活体験の家), Toyama Shrine (富山神社), Obsevation Japanese Castle (展望閤), Northern Observation Deck (北展望台), Southern Observation Deck (南展望台), Jyabu-jyabu Pond (じゃぶじゃぶ池), a go kart course and a park for children on the mountainside of Mt. Kitoushi (キトウシ山) with 456 m in height. In a spring, flowers of Dogtooth violet, moss pink and cherry blossoms can be enjoyed, and Lavender can be seen in a summer. A part of the mountainside next to the Toyama Shrine is a cherry tree grove, and it is popular cherry blossom spot with local pepole. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about from late April to early May. Admission free. A parking lot is free of charge. Article is here

Spring Is Just Coming

Tomayama Hitome Senbon Zakura

Mt. Toma (当麻山) is a mountain with an elevation of 292 m in Toma town located in the eastern part of Asahikawa city, and the distance is about 2.5 km away from the center of the toma. It has Toma Sport Lnad Field Athletics Course (とうまスポーツランド フィールドアスレチックコース), a campsite, Toma Ski Resort, and an observation deck is built on the top of the mountain. a famous place for cherry blossoms called Tomayama Hitome Senbon Zakura (当麻山一目千本桜) is at the Toma Sport Lnad Field Athletics Course and the campsite, and cherry trees also bloom along streets. It is easy to enjoy the cherry blossoms because those are not far away from a parking lot. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about from late April to early May. Admission free. The parking lot is free of charge, too. Article is here

Tomayama Hitome Senbon Zakura

Cherry Blossoms of Eastern Hokkaido

The vast Eastern Hokkaido has Tokachi district (十勝), Kushiro district (釧路), Nemuro district (根室) and Abashiri district (網走). Midorigaoka Park (緑ヶ丘公園) in Obihiro, Mt. Shintoku (新得山) in Shintoku, Kiyomigaaoka Park (清見ヶ丘公園) in Ikeda, Beppo Park (別保公園) and Harutori Park (春採公園) in Kuhsiro, Prunus Sargentii of Kokutaiji Temple (国泰寺) and Nenohi Park (子野日公園) in Akkeshi, Hamanaka Sakura Park (浜中桜公園) in Hamanaka, Siryuji Temple (清隆寺) in Nemuro, Notsuke Elementary School (野付小学校) of Chishima Cherry in Bekkai, Futago Cherry Trees (双子の桜) in Tubetsu, Konpira Sakura Park (金刀比羅さくら公園) in Kitami and Tentozan Sakura Park (天都山さくら公園) in Abashiri are famous in particular. It features that the Eastern Hokkaido has a lot of the Chishima Cherry Trees. It is said that the Nemuro is one of latest cherry blossoming places in Japan because the cherry blossom front gets to the Nemuro in mid May, so the late cherry blossoms can be enjoyed. My visited places are as follows.

Cherry Blossoms in Meiji Park

Cherry Blossoms of Seiryuji Temple

Seiryuji Temple (清隆寺) is a temple built in 1893 in the downtown of Nemuro city, and is about 600 m away from Nemuro Station. A main building was built by Mr. Kikuzo Hanawa (花輪喜久蔵) called "Expert Kesennuma Carpenter (気仙沼大工の名工)" in 1912. The temple is well-known for about 30 Chishimazakura Cherry Trees (千島桜) with over 100 old years. It is said that the Nemuro is famous for coming the last Cherry Blossom Front, and is one of latest cherry blossoming places in Japan. The buildings are very fine, too, and detailed sculptures were made by Mr. Toramasa Ueyama (上山虎正). Those are very cool! Admission free. A parking lot is free of charge. There is the parking lot on the back side of the temple. By the way, a highway bus "Aurora-go (オーロラ号)" runs between the Nemuro and the Sapporo, and a highway bus "Limited Express Nemuro-go (特急ねむろ号)". Article is here

Kobo Daishi, Kukai with Cherry Blossoms like Halo

Other Cherry Blossoms of Nemuro

I visited a former observatory (旧観測所), Meji Park (明治公園) and Nemuro City Office to see the cherry blossoms.

Chishima Cherry Tree in Nemuro City OfficeChishima Cherry Tree in Former ObservatoryCherry Blossoms in Meiji Park

Kokutaiji Temple

Kokutaiji Temple (国泰寺) is an ancient temple founded in 1804 in Akkeshi town located in the eastern part of Kushiro city, and is next to Akkeshi Shrine (厚岸神社). The temple is one of The 3 Government Temples in Yezo recognized by Edo shogunate together with Usu Zenkoji Temple (有珠善光寺) in Date and Tojunin (等澍院) in Samani, and is well-known as
a good place to see cherry blossoms. Old Cherry Tree (老桜樹) of 180 years old is famous. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about from early May to mid May. A main building, a cemetery, the Old Cherry Tree, stone images of Kannon, Butsugesharito Stone (仏牙舎利塔), Ryuoden Building (龍王殿), Bato Kannon-do Building (馬頭観音堂), Akkeshi Town Local Museum (厚岸町郷土館) and Ainu People Chukonhi Stone (アイヌ民族忠魂碑) are built at the site. Admission free. But the main building is allow to enter for JPY 100. Business hour is 08:00-16:00. The Akkeshi Town Local Museum is allowed to enter for JPY 100, too. Business hour is 09:00-16:00. A parking lot is not provided, but a space for parking cars is near the local museum. Article is here

Precincts of Kokutaiji Temple

Cherry Blossoms of Akkeshi Shrine

Akkeshi Shrine (厚岸神社) is an old shrine founded in 1791 by Mr. Tokunai Mogami (最上徳内), a famous explorer, in Akkeshi town located in the eastern part of Kushiro city, and is next to Kokutaiji Temple (国泰寺). Shinmeigu Shrine (神明宮), former Akkeshi Shrine, used to be originally at precincts of the Kokutaiji Temple, and it was transfered from there to here, and its name was changed as the Akkeshi Shrine. The shrine is not famous as a good place to see cherry blossoms, but the cherry blossoms at precincts of the Akkeshi Shrine are very good. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about from early May to mid May. A main building, Juzo Kondo Memorial Stone (近藤重蔵の碑), a shrine office and a public restroom are built at the site. Admission free. A parking lot is not provided, but spaces for parking cars are near Akkeshi Town Local Museum (厚岸町郷土館) and the public restroom. Article is here

Torii Gate

Cherry Blossoms of Nenohi Park

Nenohi Park (子野日公園) is a park in Akkeshi town located in the eastern part of Kushiro city, and is well-known as a good place to see cherry blossoms. Suikoen (翆湖園), a private garden, established by Mr. Kouki Nenohi (子野日弘毅), ex-mayor of Akkeshi, was assigned to the Akkeshi town in 1962, and has been well-kept as a park. 10 types of 1,200 cherry trees such as Sargent Cherry Tree and Chishima Cherry Tree are planted in the site of 120,000 m2. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is about from early May to late May. Forest of Health (健康の森), Cherry Tree Sample Garden (桜見本園), a public restroom and a parking lot are built at the site. Admission free. The parking lot is free of charge. Article is here

Hi. I will visit Hokkaido next 14 May until 22 May 2017?
Is there any cherry blossom there?
if any, could you please give us the recommendation place to see the cherry blossoms in Hokkaido?
Thanks
Regard,
Budy

[Nature, Onsen and Tasty Foods] Good! Hokkaido!

Hokkaido is located in the far east of the world. A lot of attractive things such as tasty foods, hot springs and nature are filled. I want everybody to know those by all means and introduce about Hokkaido to you without everybody's permission. Please visit the Hokkaido if you are interested in the Hokkaido, and you experience the charms, please be impressed! I am studying English now. I am sorry if my English sentences are incorrect.